A little over two years after being elected as San Bernardino County’s first Native Ameican supervisor, James Ramos was selected by his colleagues Tuesday as board chairman.

The position is selected every two years by the Board of Supervisors. Ramos, who represents the 3rd District, replaces Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford in that position. First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood was chosen as vice-chair.

Ramos said he knows of one other Native American who has served as a county board chairman but San Bernardino County is the largest county by population and land size to have one in a leadership position.

“Being able to be the first Native American elected at the Board of Supervisors and now the chair really shows that you can aspire to do the different things in life you want,” said Ramos, who said he plans to work on issues such as job growth, reducing homelessness and improving the county musuem.

The board chair’s responsibilities including presiding over meetings and acting as the board’s executive agent, signing contracts and working with the chief executive officer to set meeting agendas.